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Lifestyle

The 25 Weirdest Animals People Eat Around the World

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at App State chapter.

As we know there is a whole other world out there when it comes to food, but some of these just seem out of the blue.  There are so many different cultures on our planet and they all have their reasons to eat these animals.  Our planet is full of thousands of different species of animals and just as survival of the fittest states: predators survive, which in most causes is us humans. This list will open your eyes to the cultural differences between yourself and others as well as make you cringe (or throw up).

1. Chicken Feet

weird animals

Gif courtesy of mtv.com

Chicken is something enjoyed by the world as a whole, but South America, South Africa and East Asia enjoy a different piece of this feathered bird. The feet are a delectable treat that people enjoy at any given point of the day. 

2. Tuna Eyeball

weird animals

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

In Japan, these big ole eyes are the ones people can’t keep their hands off of (or I guess mouth, in this case).  

3. Herring

weird animals

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

I have personally eaten this European classic and all I have to say is unless you want the potent flavor, I would suggest letting it slide down your throat smooth. 

4. Grasshoppers

weird animals

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

I don’t know if Jiminy Cricket would approve of this brother species being eaten for a snack, but the people in Thailand would disagree. These crunchy little creatures provide a lovely source of protein for people around the world. Dip them in chocolate and all them candy?

5. Wasp Cracker

weird animals

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

If you’re like me, you probably have an irrational fear of bees of any sort, making these wasp crackers seem like a good place for them to end up. These might not be the best pair with some cheese, but the Japanese do seem to think so. 

6. Fried Spider

weird animals

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

This itsy bitsy spider went up in the frier, and out came a delicious entree enjoyed by the people of Cambodia. Now let’s imagine those eight crunchy legs getting down easy.

7. Beondegi

weird animals

Gif courtesy of tumblr.com

This term is a fancy word for silkworms, they are seasoned lightly and sold on the streets.  They have been said to taste like wood,  but how does one know what wood taste likes?

8. Snails

weird animals

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

Escargot is the most famous appetizer you can order in France, and honestly they were delicious. The flavor was amazing aside from the texture. Sorry Gary, your kind is beautiful and delicious.

9. Stink Bugs

weird animals

Gif courtesy of mtv.com

Stink bugs are some what of a nuisance in the world but Africa has figured out how to get the best outcome in that situation.  They boil them to create their “apple” like flavor but the bugs have a defensive tactic that has the same effect on the eyes as onions.

10. Tequila Worm

weird animals

Gif courtesy of tumblr.com

We have all seen these lollipops that claim to have a worm inside of it, but I’m destroying this myth: it’s all for marketing. #sorry

11. Frog Leg

weird animals

Gif courtesy of tumblr.com

Frog legs are something that eaten more frequently than you would think, similar to chicken.  They can be prepared in a variety of ways, fried or boiling and typically eaten France, Southeast Asia, and some parts of the United States. 

12. Kangaroo

weird animals

Gif courtesy of gifbin.com

We have grown to love these bouncy fur balls but in Australia they are overpopulated and a good source of protein.  Kangaroo Jack might beat your ass if he sees you munchin’ on his species.

13. Crocodile

weird animals

Gif courtesy of gifbin.com

Countries such as Africa, Australia and parts of Asia believe crocodile is a very high-class meat that tastes like a cross between chicken and crab. Personally, I can not imagine how those two things would mix together, but they aren’t just using their skin for shoes.

14. Southern Fried Rattlesnake

weird animals

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

If you can catch one of these bad boys, then by all means do what you would like with them. 

15. Guinea Pig

weird animals

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

In some South American cultures, they consider the guinea pig the same as a rabbit which has lead them to eat these pets whole or in casseroles.  We think of these as pets you can buy at your local pet store but they find them a part of their normal diet.

16. Starfish

weird animals

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

Starfish are beautiful sea creatures that when dried up are hard and pointy, but in China it is said that they have a delicious meat on the inside.  

17. Cobra Heart

weird animals

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

Snakes are said to be extremely intelligent animals and Vietnam believes their hearts are good to eat. They cut the Cobra’s heart out and put it into a shot glass for you to consume while it is still beating.  Eating a beating heart could make you bigger?

18. Scorpions

weird animals

Gif courtesy of tumblr.com

You can find these on any given street in China, deep fried and skewered.  If I was ever given the opportunity I probably wouldn’t say no.  We can’t all look like goddesses while sucking down these poisonous creatures. 

19. Opossum

weird animals

Gif courtesy of tumblr.com

The Opossum is typically thought of as road kill, but in Australia they are completely overpopulated (as so many animals are) and they hunt them for fur and their meat.  They are so ugly they’re cute, and supposedly they taste good too.

20. Cat

weird animals

Gif courtesy of tumblr.com

Many Asian cultures eat our beloved pets as a source of protein but they also don’t look the species the same way as many others.  All cats would probably look as pissed as Grumpy Cat does if they knew what could happen to them.

21. Dog

weird animals

Gif courtesy of tumblr.com

Similar to cats, dogs are used as a meat source in many different countries because they aren’t looked at as companions.  This news makes us all feel like Dug.

22. Shark Fin Soup

weird animals

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

Shark Fins are used in many different types of soup around the world, China, Southeast Asia and the United States.  The industry brutally kills sharks for their fins, leaving their bodies in the water to drown. Left shark could be next, where would our world be without the meme of a century?

23. Whales

weird animals

Gif courtesy of tumblr.com

Whaling is an extremely big industry in Japan. It’s where they get most of their revenue from, although it is causing extreme harm to their species count.  Many people love to eat whale which is why the practice is so popular.  Free Willy ain’t so free anymore huh?

24. Octopus

weird animals

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

The tentacles are cooked in many ways and eaten all over the world, but most of the time it’s eaten live..I’m just going to leave that there.  I would ink too if I knew my friends were being skewed up for a snack.

25. Elephant

weird animals

Gif courtesy of tumblr.com

The Forest Elephant is not only killed for ivory like the majority of elephants but they are also hunted for their meat. Our poor gentle giants, we are sorry Dumbo, truly sorry.

This list is one that causes me to question all the basic things I find myself eating. Traveling opened my mind to being okay with experimenting with food. I would highly recommend eating the things that make you question your existence, because when else will you get an opportunity to eat snails or stink bugs?  

weird animals

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

Just a daisy lovin', dairy free girl trying to make it in the world